Composite concrete framing system with precast composite concrete columns and precast composite concrete beams

ABSTRACT

A multi-level precast composite concrete framing system includes a plurality of sets of precast composite concrete columns, with each set forming the vertical supports for the framing system between levels. The columns of the different sets are vertically aligned. The framing system includes at least one set of plurality of precast composite concrete beams forming the horizontal supports for one level. Each concrete beam includes at least one tie rod opening extending vertically through each beam at a location of each concrete column Each concrete beam further includes an access opening, which may be grouted after installation, providing access to each tie rod opening during installation. The framing system includes a plurality of tie rods each having a sleeve and opposed threaded pin ends threadingly received within each concrete column, wherein each column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of at least two separate and adjacent beams.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/723,247 entitled “Composite Concrete Framing System with Precast Composite Concrete Columns and Precast Composite Concrete Beams” filed Nov. 6, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a precast composite concrete framing system using precast composite concrete columns and precast composite concrete beams.

2. Background Information

Buildings and civil engineering works are generally constructed from wood, metal, masonry, concrete and combinations of these materials. The materials used depend upon cost, availability, building conditions, structural requirements and choice. Masonry and concrete have generally required extensive on site construction. Wood and steel has been used to pre-build components by building parts in a factory. The pre-built building parts are transported to and erected on a site. Reducing construction time on a building site can reduce construction costs.

Masonry and concrete construction historically were generally conducted almost entirely on a building site. The use of pre cast concrete structural members in various construction projects has been proposed in the past. Precast concrete construction, with parts made in a factory, has been used extensively for some civil engineering works. Such construction has not been commercially used extensively for buildings. Pre-cast (also called factory cast) concrete column and beam systems have been only minimally commercialized yet have shown speedy construction and also provide design flexibility to meet specific project requirements. Fabricated in a more controlled (compared to on-site) plant environment, the pre-cast columns and beams exhibit greater uniformity and durability than concrete columns and beams cast on site.

As the components of a pre-cast system are “factory” produced and shipped directly to the jobsite, the system is highly predictable and well-suited for tight construction schedules and there is minimal disruption and staging on site.

Further when judged against cast-in-place concrete systems, these precast systems have the advantage of significantly faster and more flexible and controllable construction time requirements. Construction using precast components is less affected by adverse weather conditions than traditional cast-in-place concrete, where expensive shoring and temporary heating may be required in low-temperature situations. Thus there are large manufacturing or construction advantages to precast concrete construction.

Concrete construction itself offers various competitive advantages, although it is not always easy or economical to cast in situ. Masonry and concrete construction are difficult on building sites in some weather conditions. During cold weather, on site masonry and concrete construction are generally impossible. In northern parts of the U.S. and Canada, there is little or no masonry or concrete construction on site for several months each year. On site construction can also be delayed by water and snow. These delays increase construction costs.

Concrete and masonry construction have a number of important advantages that wood construction does not have. Buildings made from concrete and masonry can withstand much higher wind loads than wood frame houses. Such concrete buildings may also withstand earthquakes with less damage than frame houses. Concrete and masonry construction is also generally fire proof and have higher thermal and sound insulating properties. Concrete and masonry construction is also less susceptible to mold damage and lasting flood damage than frame constructions.

Building site contamination during construction is a problem. Forms, for foundations and concrete basement walls, are coated with materials that prevent concrete from sticking to the forms for in situ construction. Some of these coating materials remain on the site after the forms are removed. Coatings applied to concrete to prevent water absorption and water passage may also contaminate a building site. Concrete that is spilled, dumped or washed from tools, mixers and conveyor chutes often remain in the soil on a site following construction. Similar site contamination occurs during masonry construction.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,480 developed first in the mid 1990s discloses a building made substantially of pre-cast components. The building comprises of pre-cast concrete walls, floors and columns; the walls and columns being made of pre-cast concrete wall panels; and floors being made of pre-cast concrete slabs. The panels have one of ‘L’, ‘T’, cross or ‘I’ cross-sectional shapes, wherein the ‘L’, ‘T’ and cross-shaped panels are joints between ‘I’ shaped panels and slabs and panels being interlocked together to form an enclosure. At least some of the ‘L’, ‘T’ or cross-shaped or ‘I’ have a door or window opening. ‘I’ shaped panels are of varying lengths. Columns are reinforced with steel bars and additional concrete.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,319 developed first in the mid 1990s discloses building system employs precast corners and elongated walls with integral footings to construct a foundation and basement. Precast first elongated wall sections and corner sections and floor slabs form a first level. Upper level wall sections, corner sections and floor slabs form an upper level. Gable sections, a ridge beam and roof slabs form a roof. The precast members all include a steel mesh reinforcement. Sections are rigidly connected together at their ends by connector assemblies that are connected directly to the reinforcement. The sections are secured together by sheer bolts that extend vertically from a lower section into an upper section.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,906 developed in the late 1990s discloses a precast, prestressed concrete joist having web openings through which mechanical and electrical equipment may pass. In an exemplary embodiment, the joist comprises generally horizontal opposite top and bottom concrete members with a concrete web interposed between them. This web may have openings through which mechanical and electrical equipment may pass. Prestressed steel strands may extend lengthwise through both the top and bottom members to provide prestress in the concrete joist. The concrete joist may further comprise strand restraining devices for deflecting the prestress steel strands. The precast, prestressed concrete joist having a web opening may be constructed using a reusable casting apparatus. This casting apparatus comprises a prestressing bed onto which a frame may be mounted. The frame provides a means of applying tension to the prestress steel strands and of supporting prestress strand restraining devices. A mold comprising an outer form and web opening forms may be attached to the prestressing bed. This mold may be used to cast the joist. The web opening forms preferably comprise a plurality of blocks which may be specially shaped to be removably attached together and secured to the prestressing bed to increase or decrease the span and depth of the desired web openings. The precast, prestressed concrete joist may be fabricated by first assembling the frame on a prestressing bed. The mold may next be assembled inside the frame. Strand restraining devices may be bolted to the frame by threaded rods. Prestress strands may then be threaded through these strand restraining devices and anchored to the frame. A prestressing force may then be applied to the prestress strands. Concrete is then poured into the mold and allowed to cure. The frame and mold are removed from around the finished joist.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,333 developed in the mid 1990s discloses a “unitized” post and panel building system for forming a “high strength” insulated building structure. The building structure uses a rigid foam building panels having kerfs on each side. The kerfs on the rigid foam building panels are complementary in shape to pre-cured or pre-cast jacketed concrete posts. The jacketed posts have a mounting attachment foot adapted for mounting on a substructure, and the building panels are securely mounted between adjacent, substructure secured, jacketed concrete posts. The jacketed concrete posts are also provided with top attachment members secured therein and which are secured to beams which run horizontally above the rigid building panels. The building structure is intended to provide a “high strength, highly insulating” structure with quick building time in the field.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,549 developed in the mid 1990's discloses a house construction which is anchored to the ground by extending a plurality of metal rods from anchors buried in a foundation to the upper framework of the house and clamping the house to each rod by a pair of spaced clamps, which includes a washer in each device around the rod jammed at an angle against the rod so as to be immovable in the tensile direction between the spaced clamps. The lower clamp is threaded onto the buried threaded anchor extending through the sole plate. A bolt extends through at least one top plate of an outer wall adjacent at least the outer corners of a building and threads into the upper clamp beneath the top plate.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,314 developed in the late 1980s discloses a structural connection system for resisting uplift loads on the shear walls for each level of a wood frames structure which includes anchors for each level. The system, employed at least at the lateral ends of the shear walls, compressively restrains the shear walls against upward movement. The anchors, which are vertically aligned, are coupled to one another through tie rods. A tie rod connects the anchor for the bottom floor to a foundation anchor embedded in the foundation. The anchors and tie rods are positioned between pairs of closely spaced vertical framing elements, such as studs. Uplift loads for each level are transferred to the foundation through the connection system. This structure is intended to eliminate any accumulation of uplift loads from level to level.

Additionally of interest are U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,092 which issued May 24, 2011 and discloses a method of constructing a building, such building, and wall and floor elements for use therein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,454,872, issued Nov. 25, 2008 and discloses a concrete post anchor; U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,197 issued Dec. 12, 2006 and discloses a concrete home building; U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,139 issued Nov. 15, 2005 and discloses a precast concrete column for use in post-frame construction; U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,053 issued Mar. 2, 2004 and discloses a method for seismically reinforcing a reinforced concrete frame; U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,933 issued May 14, 2002 and discloses a precast wall Panel; U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,697 issued Jun. 5, 2001 and discloses a threaded anchor for poured concrete metal deck floors and wood frame floors; The above patents, incorporated herein by reference, illustrate numerous improvements in the last twenty five years.

Existing commercial pre-cast systems are known sold under the DYNA-FRAME™ and KERKSTRA PRECAST™ and PEIKKO® marks as representative commercial examples, however these systems have not been optimized and this limits there wide adoption in the industry.

There remains a need in the art for a simple, efficient precast concrete framing system for efficient building construction which efficiently transfers lateral and vertical loads to the foundation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention are achieved with a multi-level precast composite concrete framing system includes a plurality of sets of precast composite concrete columns, with each set forming the vertical supports for the framing system between levels. The columns of the different sets are vertically aligned. The framing system includes at least one set of plurality of precast composite concrete beams forming the horizontal supports for one level. Each concrete beam includes at least one tie rod opening extending vertically through each beam at a location of each concrete column Each concrete beam further includes an access opening that may be grouted after installation, configured to provide access to each tie rod opening during installation. The framing system includes a plurality of tie rods each having opposed threaded ends threadingly received within each concrete column, wherein each column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of at least two separate and adjacent beams.

Some of the advantages of the present invention are provided by a precast composite concrete framing system comprising a plurality of precast composite concrete columns forming the vertical supports for the framing system; a plurality of precast composite concrete beams forming the horizontal supports for one level of the framing system, each precast composite concrete beam including at least one tie rod opening extending vertically through each precast composite concrete beam at a location of each composite concrete column, and each precast composite concrete beam including an access opening configured to provide access to each tie rod opening; and a plurality of tie rods threadingly received within each precast composite concrete column, wherein each concrete column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of at least two separate and adjacent composite concrete beams.

In one aspect of the present invention each tie rod opening is formed of a sleeve embedded within the concrete beam. Further each tie rod may be formed with opposed threaded ends. Each access opening may be grouted following installation of the tie rods. In multi-level applications, each upper concrete column is connected to the vertically aligned lower concrete column through the tie rods that are threadingly coupled to both the upper and lower concrete columns The vertically aligned concrete columns preferably have the same shape in plan view, although the concrete columns of one vertical set may have differing shapes in plan view. At least one concrete column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of at least three and possibly four separate and adjacent composite concrete beams. At least one concrete column includes two tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of one composite concrete beam. The framing system may include isolation, vibration damping members positioned between the columns and the beams. The framing system may include precast concrete floor panels supported on the beams.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction comprising a plurality of precast composite concrete columns; a plurality of precast composite concrete beams supported on the concrete columns; and a plurality of tie-rods engaged through a threaded connection with a concrete column to couple the column to a vertically adjacent concrete column, wherein each tie-rod extends through an intermediate beam, wherein during installation rotation of at least a portion of the tie-rod is used to vertically adjust the relative position of the adjacent columns, and wherein the tie-rods are positioned in a non-linear arrangement on each column to allow for leveling of the vertically upper column in two directions during installation.

The plurality of tie-rods may be engaged through a threaded connection with each concrete column to couple the column to a vertically adjacent concrete column and may be arranged along two substantially perpendicular lines allowing for effective leveling in two directions.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be clarified in the brief description of the preferred embodiment in connection with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic exploded view of a representative corner connection of composite columns and beams in the modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic exploded view of a representative corner connection of composite columns and beams in the modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a schematic exploded view of a representative corner connection of composite columns and beams in the modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of one precast composite concrete column shape according to the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the precast composite concrete column shape according to FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a plan view of an alternative circumferential shape for the precast composite column of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of one precast composite concrete column shape according to the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the precast composite concrete column shape according to FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a plan view of an alternative circumferential shape for the precast composite column of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of one precast composite concrete column shape according to the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the precast composite concrete column shape according to FIG. 4A

FIG. 4C is a plan view of an alternative circumferential shape for the precast composite column of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

FIG. 4D is a plan view of a further alternative circumferential shape for the precast composite column of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

FIGS. 5A-B are perspective views of various isolation, vibration damping members for use with the precast composite concrete framing system of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the precast composite concrete framing system using precast composite concrete columns and precast composite concrete beams in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a multi-level precast composite concrete framing system 10 which is summarized as including a plurality of sets of precast composite concrete columns 20, each set forming the vertical supports for the framing system 10 between levels of the framing system, wherein the concrete columns of the different sets are vertically aligned. The system 10 further includes at least one set of plurality of precast composite concrete beams 12 forming the horizontal supports for one level of the framing system 10. Each precast composite concrete beam 12 including at least one tie rod opening 14 extending vertically through each precast composite concrete beam 12 at a location of each composite concrete column 20, and each precast composite concrete beam 12 including an access opening 16 configured to provide access to each tie rod opening 14 during installation. The access opening 16 may be grouted with grout 18 after installation.

The present invention provides a modular composite concrete column and beam framing system 10 for building construction provides support for beams 12 through a pre-cast column 20 that transfers all loads to the column 20 or foundation 50 (also called footing) below. The precast column 20 and beams 10 provide a fast economical building frame system 10. As described below, the beam 12 connects to the columns 20 and which columns 20 not only provide vertical support but lateral resistance for lateral loads. The connection system of the invention as described below allows for adjustment to maintain the column and beam system 10 level, square and aligned. The addition to providing vertical load transfer it will also be able to provide lateral stability in high wind and seismic regions.

The modular nature of the system 10 allows the system 10 to be extremely versatile and applicable to numerous applications. The columns 20 and beams 12 of the system 10 are precast meaning they are formed off site allowing for increased precision and minimal on-site delays. The columns 20 and beams 12 of the system 10 are composite meaning they are reinforced with steel or other members throughout, and further the composite term is a subset of reinforced concrete in that the reinforcing members of the composite concrete structure are sufficient to take the designated load. In a sense, in a composite concrete structure the concrete can be viewed as maintaining the alignment of the load holding members.

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

The system further includes a plurality of tie rods formed with sleeves 30 and opposed threaded ends 32 threadingly received within threaded openings 22 of each precast composite concrete column 20. Each concrete column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings 14 of at least two separate and adjacent composite concrete beams 12. A detailed description of this system 10 follows.

The general construction of pre-cast composite concrete beams 12 is well known and is not discussed in detail herein except for the novel components of the precast beams 12 that form the main components of the framing system 10. Any conventional composite concrete beam construction for beams 12 can be utilized, although it is anticipated that the beam 12 will be reinforced with embedded steel supports or reinforcing members as known.

The framing system 10 of the present invention uses at least one tie rod opening 14 extending vertically through each precast composite concrete beam 12 at a location of each composite concrete column 20. In general, one beam 12, at an intersection of beams 12 for a column 20 will have two tie rod openings 14 while the remaining beams 12 will have one tie rod opening associated with the column 20. The tie rod opening 14 is preferably formed as a sleeved opening 14, meaning there is a sleeve (not shown), such as a steel sleeve, embedded within the concrete of the beam 12 with the inner diameter of the sleeve closely matching the outer diameter of the tie rod sleeve 30 to better transfer lateral loads. Although described as a single opening 14 and single sleeve, each opening 14 can also be formed in embodiment of FIG. 1C of two aligned openings 14 (possibly each with an internal sleeve) on opposed sides of the access opening 16.

A single access opening 16 may be used to access one or two associated tie rod openings 14, such as shown in the embodiments of FIG. 1C. The access openings 16 are provided so installers can access the tied rods 30 during installation and rotate these members to threading engage the tie rods 30 with the upper and lower columns 20 (or foundations 60). Following installation the openings 16 may be grouted with filler 18 to close the opening 16.

The general construction of pre-cast composite concrete columns 20 is well known and is not discussed in detail herein except for the novel components of the precast columns 20 that form the main components of the framing system 10. Any conventional composite concrete column construction for columns 20 can be utilized, although it is anticipated that the column 20 will be reinforced with embedded steel supports or reinforcing members as known.

The columns 20 of the framing system 10 include threaded openings 22 which align with the tie rod openings 14 of the beams 12 as shown. Each column 20 will have openings 22 aligning with tie rod openings 14 of at least two adjacent and distinct beams 12 of a single level, but three or four adjacent beams 12 can be connected through a single column 20 as shown. As shown the beams 12 can have two openings 14 for a single column 20, or a single opening 14 for the associated column 20.

The threaded openings 22 will generally be formed of threaded metal inserts embedded within the precast column 20. The threading will match the threading of the ends 32 of the tie rods 30. Each of the threaded inserts may be coupled directly to one or more embedded structural members or bars extending the length of the column 20 to facilitate load transfer.

As shown best in FIGS. 2A-B, 3A-B and 4A-B, the columns 20 can have different shapes, generally with different legs, depending on which beam 12 configuration with which the column 20 is aligning. For example, FIGS. 2A and B illustrate a column shape configured for corner beam 12 connections; FIGS. 3A and B illustrate a column shape configured for an intermediate cross beam 12 connection, while FIGS. 4A and B illustrate a column shape configured for opposed intermediate cross beams 12 or 4-way beam 12 connection. As the system 10 is designed for given building configurations and then pre-cast, the shapes can be altered as desired for a particular application. For example, the length of the legs (and the spacing between openings 22) can be increased to address increased shear loading requirements for a desired structure.

FIGS. 2A-B, 3A-B and 4A-B illustrate a legged column design, however the present invention is not limited to these outer plan view shapes. As shown in FIGS. 2C, 3C, 4C and 4D, the outer configuration of the columns 20 may differ from the shape dictated by the type of connection. It is generally anticipated that the vertically aligned columns 20 in the framing system 10 will have matching, shapes in plan view.

The columns 20 are connected together via tie rods, formed in the first embodiment of FIG. 1A, of an internally threaded sleeve 30 and a pair of threaded pins 32. The pins 32 are threaded into respective openings 22 of vertically adjacent columns 20 and are threaded into adjustment sleeve 30.

Turning to FIG. 1A, the framing system 10 starts with a pre-cast footing 50 that has been designed to provide the bearing and weight for the stability of the system 10. The reinforcing in the footing 50 contains threaded structural opening 52 used to connect the support columns to the footing 50. These footings 50 can be placed on leveled sub-base in most weather conditions. The footing 50 is designed to carry the required loads into the soil below.

Pins 32, or threaded rods, are screwed into the threaded structural opening 52 cast in the footing 50. The pins 32 are threaded past a minimum distance, which is generally two ½ times the diameter of the pins 32, and the pins 32 typically are installed well past this minimum distance. The threaded pins 32 provide the connection between the columns and the footing 50. A steel adjustment sleeve 30 is screwed to the connection pin 32 becoming the steel column or coupling between the footing 50 and the composite column 20 above. The sleeves 30 are threaded past a minimum distance, which is generally two ½ times the diameter of the sleeve 30 plus a distance to accommodate pin adjustment as noted. However there is typically no issue with providing enough room for the minimum distance coupling depth for the sleeves 30 on pins 32. This sleeve 30 allows the grade beam 12 to slide over the sleeve 30 and bear on the footing 50 below. There are multiple steel sleeves 30 that attach the composite column 20 to each foundation 50.

The grade beams 12 are placed over the adjustment sleeve 30 using oversized hole 14 and provides the support or foundation for the building. The grade beam 12 can provide support for foundation walls or simply the floor slab 40 as required by house design.

Pins 32 will be inserted into the top of the adjustment sleeves 30 that are attached to the pre-cast composite column 20 above. The upper pins 32 are initially installed at least two times the minimum distance to allow for subsequent threading of the pin 32 into the opening 20 for a minimum distance and still maintain a minimum distance in the sleeve 30. The adjustment sleeves 30 allow the pins 32 to be adjusted vertically to align the threads by screwing the sleeve 30 up or down on the pin 32 in the footing below. The column connection pins 32 will need to align with the steel threaded insert forming opening 22 that is part of the composite concrete column 20, and to be adjusted vertically and finally to be screwed into the structural pipe in the composite column 20 which is typically positioned with a crane for assembly.

The first pin 32 is attached to the column 20 holding its elevation. Then the other pins 32 will be attached to the column after initial leveling has been completed. The composite column 20 contains three or four structural steel pipes or openings 20 associated with adjustable tie rods to allow the column 20 to be properly leveled and provide shear resistance.

Specifically after all pins 32 are secured to an upper column 24 then sleeves 30 can be used to adjust the column 20 for leveling. At this point the sleeves 30 are used individually to properly set, square and level the bearing surface 24 of the upper end of the column 20. The external surface of sleeve 30 may include flat surfaces forming a hexagonal shape to facilitate adjustment. Access openings 16 allow access to the sleeves 30 for the leveling adjustment.

The next level of the structure is formed by repeating the process, namely the lower pins 32 will be inserted into the upper openings 22 on bearing surface 24 of column 20 below and attached to its structural steel via the threaded connection. Then adjustment sleeves 30 will be screwed to each of those pins 32 and the floor beam 12 is placed over the structural sleeve 30 or sleeves 30. Each precast concrete beam 12 rests on the bearing surfaces 24 of two columns 20 in a conventional fashion and, as noted above, is generally conventional except for the provision of tie-rod holes 14 and adjustment access opening 16. The connection pins 32 are placed in the sleeve 30 and adjusted vertically and align the threads by screwing up or down on the pin below. The next level's columns 20 will be attached and aligned to provide continuous structural column The process will be repeated until all the columns 20 and beams 12 in the framing system 10 are in place.

The beams 12 carry the pre-cast floor planks 40 and have a top coat to complete the composite floor and grout the columns 20 in place. The grade level or basement floor may be though panels 40 or may be a poured in place concrete floor as design requires. Concrete stairs would provide a complete composite concrete framing system that can provide fire and high wind resistance. The frame is extended to the concrete roof support beams which will carry the roof rafters, beams or trusses ensuring that all the forces are properly transferred to the columns 20 and the footing 50.

One advantage of the system 10 is the three or four tie rods in each of the pre-cast composite sections can be sized to carry the required vertical loads. These can be spaced to provide the shear resistance against the wind and seismic forces. The distance between the tie rods and structural columns within the concrete column 20 can be adjusted to design for higher shear forces.

The framing system 10 can be designed using welded wire reinforcing. The smaller diameter welded wire allows for narrower beams 12 and columns 20. The advantage of wide walls has a limit as at some width due to weight of each column and the cost for the additional required footprint.

Reiterating the floor construction, after all the columns 20 and beams 12 have been placed for a given level the leveled columns 20 can be grouted in place and the floor panels 40 can be placed in a conventional fashion.

Preformed decking panels 40 can be used as they are cast under controlled conditions and may be pre-stressed with high tensile strands. The panels 40 or slabs can be notched, bevelled, cast with weld plates and in special widths. A surface levelling material may be used with the completed floor; and thereafter the floor can accept any floor finish normally specified by an architect to cover a concrete base, such as tile, wood, carpet and terrazzo. Because the panels 40 typically feature a smooth underside, ceiling finishing is easy and cost-effective as well. When caulked and painted, the panels 40 present an attractive, panel pattern on the ceiling. Another feature of the precast panels 40 is that it allows almost immediate access to other construction trades. Installation of stud and finished walls, electricity and HVAC apparatus may proceed for the most part just one floor below the construction of framing system 10.

As noted, if desired the system 10 can be used with cast in place flooring in place of precast panels 40 or other floor formation as desired for a given building. Following the floor formation the process can be repeated for an upper level.

FIG. 1B is a schematic exploded view of a representative corner connection in a building construction of reinforced columns 20 and beams 12 in the modular reinforced concrete column and beam framing system 10 for building construction in accordance with a slightly modified embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment effectively the sleeves 30 are formed integral with the beams 12 and it is the pins 32 that are rotated, via access openings 16 to level the system 10. This system 10 will have a two step process for each column 20 as the beams 12 will need to be threaded onto and leveled with the lower pins 32 and then the upper pins used to position and level the upper bearing surface of the column 20. The system of FIG. 1B allows for the leveling of the beams 12 and for a greater amount of adjustment. In this embodiment pins 32 are threaded such that rotation of the each pin 32 in one direction will further engage both the sleeve 30 and the associated opening 22 (or 52) and the opposite rotation will disengage both threads. The pin 32 preferably includes a central hexagonal portion or other similar surface for ease of rotational adjustment.

FIG. 1C is a schematic exploded view of a representative corner connection in a building construction of reinforced columns 20 and beams 12 in the modular reinforced concrete column and beam framing system 10 for building construction in accordance with a slightly modified embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the tie rods are formed by an integral sleeve 30 with threaded ends or pins 32. In one configuration of this embodiment that maintains adjustment through the tie rods adjacent pins 32 are threaded such that rotation of the sleeve 30 in one direction will further engage both pins 32 with the associated openings 22 or 52 and the opposite rotation will disengage both threads. One or more tie rods 30 in this embodiment need not have this reverse threaded adjustment arrangement and could be over threaded into the lower foundation or column 20 and then threaded into an upper column 22 that is already positioned at a desired height. Then the remaining reverse threaded tie rods 30 used for fine vertical adjustment. The integral tie rod configuration has limited ability to accommodate variations in the threading position and can require control over the crane holding the column 22 during installation, but this configuration is still a viable arrangement. In summary, if the threading 32 matches on both ends of the tie rod 30, then in assembly it can be “over threaded” into one column 22 while the beams 12 and columns 20 are placed in position (using cranes and other conventional placement equipment) and then backed into the aligned column 20 to secure the two together. The tie rods 30 may include wrench flats on an intermediate portion thereof to assist installation. Further, one or more tie rods 30 for each column 20 may be reverse threaded on one end thereof forming a “leveling tie rod” 30. The matching threaded hole 22 of the reverse threaded end of the leveling tie rod 30 will also being reverse threaded. With this construction rotation of the leveling tie rod 32 in one direction will thread (or unthread) the leveling tie rod 30 into both the upper and lower columns 20. The leveling tie rods 30 can thereby be used to set the level of the associated columns 20 and the next level of beams 12 for adjustments. The assembly of the columns with leveling tie rods is slightly different in that the upper column 20 will need to be generally externally supported and lowered with the tightening of the leveling tie rod 30 or leveling tie rods 32. The framing system 10 can utilize leveling tie rods 30 with non leveling tie rods 30 on the same column 20, but they will have differing assembly operations. First the leveling tie rods will be secured and once the columns are positioned the remaining “over threaded” tie rods will be backed out and threaded into the opposed aligned column 20 to lock the two together.

The tie rods 30 of the invention are preferably steel members with integral or separate threaded ends or pins 32. The threading on pins 32 matches the threading of the associated threaded opening 22 of an associated column 20 and couples the structural elements of the lower column 20 or foundation with the structural elements of the upper column 20. The assembly method varies slightly depending upon the direction of the threading 32.

The framing system 10 described above provide easily installed pre-cast columns 20 that transfer all loads to the column 20 (or foundation) below. The precast columns 20, beams 12 and tie rods 30 provide the fast economical building frame system 10. The beams 12 connect to the columns 20 through tie rods 30 through sleeved openings 14 and not only provide vertical support but lateral resistance for lateral loads. The addition to providing vertical loads it will also be able to provide lateral stability in high wind and seismic regions.

In each of the embodiments described above a plurality of tie-rods engaged through a threaded connection via pins 32 with each concrete column 20 to couple the column 20 to a vertically adjacent concrete column 20, wherein each tie-rod extends through an intermediate beam 12, wherein during installation rotation of at least a portion of the tie-rod is used to vertically adjust the relative position of the adjacent columns 20, and wherein the tie-rods are positioned in a non-linear arrangement on each column 20 to allow for leveling of the vertically upper column 20 in two directions during installation.

In summary, the system 10 comprises a plurality of precast concrete columns 20; a plurality of precast concrete beams 12 supported on the concrete columns 20; a plurality of tie-rods formed by sleeve 30 and opposed pins 32 and each engaged through a threaded connection with a concrete column 20 to couple the column 20 to a vertically adjacent concrete column 20, wherein each tie-rod extends through an intermediate beam 12 via openings 14. During installation, rotation of at least a portion of the tie-rod may be used to vertically adjust the relative position of the adjacent columns 20. The tie-rods are positioned in a non-linear arrangement on each column 20 to allow for leveling of the vertically upper column 20 in two directions during installation.

As noted, the plurality of tie-rods are engaged through threaded connections with each concrete column 20 are arranged along two substantially perpendicular lines allowing for effective leveling in two directions.

The system 10 of the present invention is the ideal solution for a wide variety of residential or commercial projects requiring durability, flexibility, and versatility both in the design and construction stages of the projects. Precast concrete homes and building have great fire ratings and often eliminate the costly process of fireproofing. The system 10 maintains the general advantages of precast concrete construction in that the resulting structures are extremely sound and durable and are extremely mold and mildew resistant compared to a traditional wood or brick construction, which has become a significant issue in residential construction. Construction with the system 10 is extremely fast, and very durable. Buildings can be erected in any weather condition including harsh winters. The system 10 lessens the construction process which saves money on financing costs.

The system 10 provides a pre-cast column 20 that transfers all loads to the column 20 or foundation below. The beams 12 connect to the columns 20 and not only provide vertical support but lateral resistance for lateral loads. The connection mechanism in system 10 allows for adjustment to maintain the columns 20 and beams 12 level, square and aligned. The addition to providing vertical load transfers the system 10 will also be able to provide lateral stability in high wind and seismic regions.

The design incorporates generally conventional concrete and structural steel composite columns 20 and uses tie rods (formed by sleeves 30 and pins 32) that threads into both top and bottom column 20 (or foundation 50) to transfer lateral and vertical loads to the column 20 or foundation 50 below. This unique combination of components and geometry comes together to provide the fast economical approach to meet the requisite moment resistance for high wind and seismic loads as the internal tie rods transfer the moment loads.

The system 10 further provides shear walls to assist to both high wind and moment resistance, and wherein the shape of the columns can be designed to provide desired the shear resistance with wider legs of the column for more resistance. For example, figures FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of one representative reinforced column 20 for use in the modular reinforced concrete column and beam framing system 10 for building construction in accordance with the present invention and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the reinforced column 20 of FIG. 2A. The spacing between the structural elements and openings 22 can easily be increased as necessary for the desired shear wall configuration. Further, this shape can be altered to address desired resistance as shown in FIG. 2C which is a plan view of an alternative circumferential shape for the reinforced column 20 of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of one representative reinforced column 20 for use in the modular reinforced concrete column and beam framing system 10 for building construction in accordance with the present invention for use in where beams 12 T into the column 20. FIG. 3B is a plan view of the reinforced column 20 of FIG. 3A. Further, FIG. 3C is a plan view of an alternative circumferential shape for the reinforced column 20 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, which external column 20 shape can be used to accommodate strength, resistance or even aesthetic considerations. Similarly, FIG. 4A is a side elevation view of one representative reinforced column 20 for use in the modular reinforced concrete column and beam framing system 10 for building construction in accordance with the present invention in a beam 12 crossing arrangement, and FIG. 4B is a plan view of the reinforced column 20 of FIG. 4A. FIGS. 4C and 4D are plan views of an alternative circumferential shapes for the reinforced column 20 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, with this shape selected based upon strength, resistance or even aesthetic considerations, further evidencing the versatility of the system 10 and precast concrete construction.

As noted above the system 10 efficiently transfers vertical loads between the columns 20 via the tie rods and lateral loads from the beams to the columns 20 via the tie rods.

Further, FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of distinct spacers 60, formed of seismic dampening material that can be used between select columns 20 of the modular composite concrete column and beam framing system 10 for building construction in accordance with the present invention. The spacers or isolation mounts 60 would be shaped similar to the associated column 20 with which they are employed and include openings 62 through which the tie rod structure extends. The operation and construction of such isolation mounts 60 are generally known, however the system 10 has the ability to easily accommodate and quickly install such seismic dampening material in mounts 60 between columns 20 and beams 12 as is desired. The system 10, all together, provides an economical method to meet high wind, seismic, and normal concrete building design.

It should be apparent the present system 10 is well suited for multi-level structures, but is not limited there to. For multi level structures there will be multiple sets of horizontal beams 12, generally one set for each building level. The column 20 construction for multiple levels is shown in FIG. 1, as this is generally the most complex. For the base construction there, naturally, is no lower set of columns 20, so the columns here would be coupled to threaded inserts in the foundation In a similar fashion the uppermost set of columns 20 will thread into an upper cap member (not shown) on the other side of the upper most level of beams 12. The upper cap members can be generally considered as abbreviated columns 20 that only need to be tall enough for the length of the threaded openings 22. The upper cap members can be, but need not be precast concrete construction.

The design of the framing system 10 incorporates conventional composite concrete construction which used structural steel or other composite composite columns and uses a rapid attachment tie rod 30 that threads into both top and bottom columns 20 through the beam sleeved opening 14 to transfer lateral and vertical loads to the column below. This unique combination of components and geometry comes together to provide the fast economical approach to meet a number of building conditions. Moment resistance for high wind and seismic loads are transferred via the internal tie rods 30. The shape of the columns 20 provides for shear resistance, wherein the wide legs of each column 20 provide high resistance. Vertical loads are transferred through the interconnected columns 20 through the tie rods 30 and sleeved openings 14. The sleeved openings 14 and tie rods 30 also act to interconnect the beams 12 for lateral load transfer. While the frame construction 10 allows for easy insertion of vibration damping isolation members 50 between the columns 20 and the beams 14 to provide for seismic dampening.

The framing system 10 of the present invention allows for rapid construction of residential and small commercial buildings. Concrete and steel together provide the most economical structural method and pre-cast allows construction time to be minimized. Since 2006, federally declared weather-related disasters in the United States have affected counties housing 242 million people—or roughly four out of five Americans. America's homes and small commercial buildings built using wood frame systems do not provide adequate protection, safety, and energy efficiency. The loss of life and property can be avoided with the system 10. The system 10 can replace typical wood framing in commercial and residential construction. The pre-cast pieces can be standardized as to height, length and warehoused ready for use. The frame of typical buildings can be installed from footing to roof peak in less than one week. Cast in place competition will require curing time for their columns and can take months and cost far greater than the system 10. The system 10 provides a structurally designed pre-cast composite concrete framing system to insure structural integrity, safety and energy efficiency into the design of our homes and small commercial buildings. The new design will allow us to live through natural disasters with minimal loss to life and property and provide America with a comfortable peace of mind

It will be apparent that various modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A precast composite concrete framing system comprising: A plurality of precast composite concrete columns forming the vertical supports for the framing system; A plurality of precast composite concrete beams forming the horizontal supports for one level of the framing system, each precast composite concrete beam including at least one tie rod opening extending vertically through each precast composite concrete beam at a location of each composite concrete column, and each precast composite concrete beam including an access opening configured to provide access to each tie rod opening; A plurality of tie rods threadingly received within each precast composite concrete column, wherein each concrete column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of at least two separate and adjacent composite concrete beams.
 2. The precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 1, wherein each tie rod opening is formed of a sleeve embedded within the concrete beam and with opposed threaded ends.
 3. The precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 1, wherein access opening is grouted.
 4. The precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 1 wherein the framing system forms a multi-level framed structure and the plurality of precast composite concrete beams forming the horizontal supports for one level of the framing system is adjacent one set of an upper plurality of precast composite concrete columns forming the vertical supports for the framing system above the one level and adjacent one set of a lower plurality of precast composite concrete columns forming the vertical supports for the framing system below the one level.
 5. The precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 4, wherein each upper concrete column is vertically aligned with a lower concrete column and wherein each upper concrete column is connected to the vertically aligned lower concrete column through the tie rods that are threadingly coupled to both the upper and lower concrete columns.
 6. The precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 4 further including at least one other set of a plurality of precast composite concrete beams forming the horizontal supports for another level of the framing system.
 7. The precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 1 wherein at least one concrete column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of at least three separate and adjacent composite concrete beams.
 8. The precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 1 wherein at least one concrete column includes two tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of one composite concrete beam.
 9. The precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 1 further including isolation, vibration damping members positioned between the columns and the beams and further including precast concrete floor panels supported on the beams.
 10. A multi-level precast composite concrete framing system comprising: A plurality of sets of precast composite concrete columns, each set forming the vertical supports for the framing system between levels of the framing system, wherein the concrete columns of the different sets are vertically aligned; At least one set of plurality of precast composite concrete beams forming the horizontal supports for one level of the framing system, each precast composite concrete beam including at least one tie rod opening extending vertically through each precast composite concrete beam at a location of each composite concrete column, and each precast composite concrete beam including an access opening configured to provide access to each tie rod opening; and A plurality of tie rods each having opposed threaded ends threadingly received within each precast composite concrete column, wherein each concrete column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of at least two separate and adjacent composite concrete beams.
 11. The multi-level precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 10, wherein each concrete column of one set is connected to the vertically aligned concrete column of an adjacent set through the tie rods that are threadingly coupled to both the adjacent concrete columns.
 12. The multi-level precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 11, wherein each tie rod opening is formed of a sleeve embedded within the concrete beam.
 13. The multi-level precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 12 wherein at least one concrete column includes two tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of one composite concrete beam.
 14. The multi-level precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 13 further including at least one other set of a plurality of precast composite concrete beams forming the horizontal supports for another level of the framing system.
 15. The multi-level precast composite concrete framing system according to claim 14 wherein at least one concrete column includes tie rods extending through the tie rod openings of at least three separate and adjacent composite concrete beams.
 16. A modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction comprising: A plurality of precast concrete columns; A plurality of precast concrete beams supported on the concrete columns; A plurality of tie-rods engaged through a threaded connection with a concrete column to couple the column to a vertically adjacent concrete column, wherein each tie-rod extends through an intermediate beam, wherein during installation rotation of at least a portion of the tie-rod is used to vertically adjust the relative position of the adjacent columns, and wherein the tie-rods are positioned in a non-linear arrangement on each column to allow for leveling of the vertically upper column in two directions during installation.
 17. The modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction according to claim 16 wherein plurality of tie-rods engaged through a threaded connection with each concrete column are arranged along two substantially perpendicular lines.
 18. The modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction according to claim 17 wherein each tie rod include a central sleeve and a pair of threaded pins at opposed ends thereof.
 19. The modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction according to claim 18 wherein each central sleeve is integral with the pair of threaded pins at opposed ends thereof which engage threaded openings of the adjacent columns.
 20. The modular composite concrete column and beam framing system for building construction according to claim 16 further including seismic dampening material spacer between at least one column and adjacent beam. 